Twenty-six youths in the Northern Division received their Duke of Edinburgh International Award (DEIA), which would boost their chances of employment and future selection for other youth programmes.

Speaking to the youths in Labasa yesterday, Minister for Youth and Sports, Parveen Bala, praised the successful recipients for their continuous youth engagements and for fulfilling all criteria of the award.

Mr Bala acknowledged the parents and the wider community for their supportive role.

“The DEIA programme, which was founded by the Duke of Edinburgh in 1956, was aimed at promoting positive development and life skills,” he indicated

The DEIA programme is for all youths from the age of 14 to 24.

Mr Bala said the benefits of the programme were immense with recipients being able to develop their critical thinking and problem-solving capabilities.

“Government continues to provide advocacy programmes targeted at creating sustainable livelihoods for each young person,” he emphasised.

Bocalevu youth club president and DEIA bronze awardee, Dipashna Ram, said the award was an outstanding achievement for her.

Blackstone youth president, Mere Silika, was touched by the event and said the experience of engaging in the DEIA training like emergency fire drills and drowning were vital life-saving skills learnt.

“Despite, the majority of our youths not being employed, we continue to drive forward and inspire our youths with these youth programmes,” she added.

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